HESI Entrance Practice Exam 2026 - Free HESI Practice Questions and Study Guide

When discussing health conditions, 'predispose' refers to the factors or conditions that render an individual more susceptible to developing a particular disease or health issue. This means that certain genetic, environmental, or lifestyle factors can "allow conditions to develop" because they may contribute to an increased likelihood of disease manifestation.

For instance, a family history of heart disease can predispose an individual to cardiovascular problems, meaning that while not everyone with such a history will develop heart disease, their chances are higher compared to someone without those risk factors. Understanding predisposition is vital in healthcare, as it helps with early intervention and preventive measures to mitigate potential health issues.